Review by Ben for Grave - Into the Grave (1991)

Out of all the Swedish death metal bands (Dismember, Unleashed etc.) that released albums in the wake of Entombed's Left Hand Path, Grave is probably the one I enjoy the most. For starters, it's frickin’ brutal, with awesome deep vocals and excellent multi-dimensional drumming. The guitar sound is almost identical to Entombed's classic debut, being low tuned and filthy, yet everything seems a lot more streamlined and intense to me. The drumming for starters is so much more interesting than Unleashed for example who rely on that one two style that gets old quickly. While Grave still use that style, they mix it up with the occasional blast beat and great double bass kicking. Ola's vocals are downright vicious and complete this venture into darkness.

While things do get a little bit repetitive by the end of the album, there are enough cracking riffs to keep me banging my head throughout, and enough little added touches here and there, whether they be a small addition of keyboards or a slight change in vocal style to not let things get boring. Check out Deformed, Obscure Infinity, Into the Grave and Haunted for awesome examples of Scandinavian death metal done right. I haven't really listened to much of Grave's recent output but after going back and revisiting this nostalgic release, I think I'll start checking them out.